mishaa

I was listening to a bird sound like a woodpecker but it was a low "thunking "sound. I was listening to it directly and it sounded sort of tinny and much softer. When i listened with my left or right ear turned directly to the sound I heard it much more clearly and much more loudly. My left ear is my "bad " ear but my right one is starting to go also. Shouldn't the combined hearing of both my ears be equal to or better than just listening to a sound with my left or right ear?

My question is.. is this a normal thing? I don't notice this with
other sounds just this one time. It might be occuring and I just don't notice. What is it?

I would like to do an internet search but wouldn't know what to even call it.
Any input would be appreciated.